Iraq

Examines the fundamental determinants of Iraqi policy, influences that lie deep in the cultural history, recent political developments, and geographic configurations of the country.

Third edition of Charles Tripp's authoritative history of Iraq.

Focusing on the different dimensions to the war in Iraq launched in March 2003 by the United States, the essays here present concise and penetrating analyses, and explore the major implications of the war and their strategic, political and military contexts. Researchers from the Jaffee Centre for Strategic Studies at Tel Aviv University, experts in international relations, political science, strategic studies and political psychology, present an insightful picture of the war. The book contains a chronology surveying the International Inspection Regime in Iraq, 1991-2003, and the full text of 'The National Security Strategy of the United States of America', which should be regarded as the basis of the Bush administration's strategic rationale for the war in Iraq.

Oil revenue has been an economic curse for Iraq. In the second half of the 20th century the international oil sector shaped Iraq's economy, forcing it to rely too heavily on revenue brought in by oil production and exports. Here the author helps the reader understand this important Arab, Middle Eastern, oil-exporting country that has been a constant focus of U.S. foreign policy since 1990. He proposes that the availability of capital is an insufficient condition for economic development, and may in fact retard it, as it did in this now reviled and wrecked country.

Explores how a Saddam Hussein rose to power in Iraq, his role in the Iraqi government, the Iraq War, and his capture.

Contents of this report that was compiled for Congress: (1) History of Weapons Inspections in Iraq; (2) Human Rights/War Crimes Issues; (3) Support for International Terrorism; and (4) Iraq-Kuwait Issues.

An important study of the treatment of cultural property, and cultural heritage in general, in all modern theatres of conflict.

This Selected Issues paper on Iraq discusses medium-term projections for oil production and exports. Constraints to oil export volumes arise from export bottlenecks and technical production issues. Production is held back by technical challenges such as the need for water injection in the southern oil fields and limited supply of electricity, of which the oil industry is one of the main consumers. Export infrastructure has suffered during many years of decay owing to sanctions and wars. The Iraqi crude is priced as an average of a benchmark oil price for 15 or 30 days from the bill of lading.

From the dawn of Western Civilization to the present day, events in Iraq have been at the center of world change. Iraq lies in the heart of the Middle East and is central to this important region in countless ways. The domestication of many plants and animals first began here. The world's first urban settlements and civilization were established along the Tigris and Euphrates rivers in what was then known as Mesopotamia. The hanging gardens of Babylon - one of the original Seven Wonders of the World - added to the fame of this historic center of Arab and Islamic art, architecture, science, and power. Modern Iraq remains an important Arab heartland, but it is also a troubled land. Religious and ethnic strife threaten the country's stability. Today, as a very fragile democracy is beginning to take root in Iraq, much of the future of the Middle East depends upon this country's success.

Examines the culture, politics, and history of Iraq and describes the geography of the country.

A financial program that aims to ensure macroeconomic stability of Iraq was discussed. The Iraqi economy was severely affected in 2009 by the decline in oil prices. Macroeconomic stability was maintained in 2010, despite a highly uncertain domestic and external environment. Policy discussions were framed by Iraq’s medium-term prospects, especially with regard to the development of its vast hydrocarbon resources. Structural reforms under the program aim at improving public financial management.

Ending the U.S. war in Iraq required redeploying 100,000 military and civilian personnel; handing off responsibility for 431 activities to the Iraqi government, U.S. embassy, USCENTCOM, or other U.S. government entities; and moving or transferring ownership of over a million pieces of property in accordance with U.S. and Iraqi laws, national policy, and DoD requirements. This book examines the planning and execution of this transition.